Feb. 23, 2011 - Graphic Packaging International (GPI) has announced plans to close its Jacksonville, Arkansas multiwall bag facility.

GPI said that it will transition business and equipment from Jacksonville to other U.S. operating locations.

According to a report on Arkansas business.com, the city of Jacksonville said the facility had 283 workers as of 2009.

"As always, GPI deploys business to our most cost effective plants," said David Scheible, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We continually evaluate all of our business operations to ensure we are serving our markets as efficiently as possible. Simply put, this is a difficult business decision."

The Jacksonville multiwall bag facility will continue to operate and support customers while its business is transitioned to other GPI facilities in the U.S. over the next several months.

GPI noted that it has notified its Jacksonville employees, and will provide appropriate assistance to those affected.